Accra, Ghana – Sammy Obeng, the Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), has called on the Minority group in the Parliament of Ghana to carefully balance their rights with the rights of their constituents. This call was made during his appearance on the TED Morning Show on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, following the Minority group’s notice to boycott parliamentary sessions whenever their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is summoned to court.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance under the NDC Government led by Former President John Dramani Mahama, is currently facing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the purchase of ambulances. The NDC party and the Minority in Parliament believe Dr. Forson is being persecuted by the government led by President Akuffo Addo, prompting their decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings in solidarity.

While acknowledging the Minority’s right to employ democratic tools at their disposal, Mr. Obeng emphasized their duty to the electorate. “In exercising their rights, they must also recognize that we, as the people who have sent them there, have a principal-agent relationship with them. We also have the right to be represented unconditionally. Therefore, they must balance their own rights with the rights of the people they represent, exercising caution in this matter,” he observed.

Mr. Obeng further urged the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to monitor and hold MPs accountable for any neglect of duty during these boycotts. He referenced similar issues during the trial of Gyakye Quayson, cautioning against repeating unproductive habits. “These are the kinds of things that those of you in the media and those of us in Civil Society must highlight. Anytime an MP boycotts Parliament, affecting their constituency’s business, their constituents must be informed and hold them accountable,” he stressed.

As the situation unfolds, the role of the media and CSOs will be crucial in ensuring that the rights of constituents are upheld and that MPs remain accountable to the people they serve.

Source: Clement Akoloh||PNAfrica Comms